Caracas, Venezuela, Dec 15, 2009 / 20:55 pm
The Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, drew attention to the political prisoners in Venezuela who have been imprisoned for holding beliefs contrary to the government. The prelate remarked that political differences should not be a reason for division.
According to local media, the cardinal called for the release of these individuals. "This is a very complex issue, but there is no doubt that there are people in prison simply because they are accused of some crime simply because they do not agree with the political agenda of the national government," he explained.
"We cannot consider ourselves to be enemies of one another," the cardinal continued, "and despite all the differences we may have, even in politics, we are members of one nation.
"For this reason, we must live as brothers and sisters. This is part of the great message that Jesus Christ brings to us this Christmas."
After celebrating a Mass to mark the 150th anniversary of the Salesians, Cardinal Urosa invited Venezuelans to take advantage of the Christmas season "to work intensely for peace and to come together as one people."